The best gaming laptops of 2023: budget, premium and more

Do you need to buy a new Gaming laptop? We’ve listed some of our picks for the best laptops to game on, based on specs, performance, features, price, and more.

When you discuss gaming laptops, the first thought that comes to mind is a bulky, ugly-looking, and costly machine that can be best described as a replacement for a desktop.

However, the best gaming laptops for 2023 don’t fall in any of the above brackets. Thanks to the constantly evolving technology, gaming laptops are slick, portable, powerful, and affordable machines.

If you’re in the market to choose a laptop to game on, you’re spoilt for choice. You’ll find many options based on screen sizes, CPU, GPU, memory and storage. Gaming laptops are lighter than ever, allowing you to complete college assignments, carry out office chores, or other multimedia requirements.

To help you pick the right laptop for your gaming requirements, we list some of the best all-around laptops and alternatives based on their price segment.

The best gaming laptops in 2023

• Razer Blade 18: The best premium gaming laptop
• MSI GE76 Raider: A gaming powerhouse
• ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14: The best gaming laptop for esports
• Dell Alienware x14: The best portable gaming laptop
• MSI Katana 15: Best budget gaming laptop
• Asus ROG Ally: A good gaming laptop alternative

Razer Blade 18: The best premium gaming laptop

Razer

Key Specs

• Processor: Intel Core i9-13980HX
• GPU: GeForce RTX 4090
• RAM: up to 64GB DDR5-5200MHz
• Screen size: 18-inches
• Screen resolution: 2560 x 1600
• Refresh rate: 240Hz
• Storage: up to 2TB SSD M.2 NVMe PCIe
• Operating system: Windows 11 Home
• Connectivity: 2x USB-A 3.2 Gen 2, 1 Thunderbolt 4 USB 3.2 Gen 2) Type-C with Power Delivery and DisplayPort 1.4 with Nvidia GPU output, 1x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C Port, RJ45 – 2.5Gb, HDMI 2.1 port, 3.5mm headphone jack
• Features: Razer Chroma, Per key RGB, Freesync Premium, Bluetooth 5.3, THX Spatial Audio, glass touchpad

The Razer Blade 18 is easily among the most powerful gaming laptops available. As the name suggests, it has a massive 18-inch display offering an immersive gaming experience on the go. The laptop comes packed into an enormous body which aids in better heat dissipation.

While the laptop might not be the most portable gaming device, its top-notch specifications ensure you can play any AAA game on it. You also get a customizable per-key RGB keyboard, and its 240Hz refresh rate provides buttery smooth graphics.

The Razer Blade 18 has an all-metal build that adds to the premium feel of this laptop and makes it sturdy. If you have deep pockets and want to go all out on a gaming laptop, you can’t go wrong with the Razer Blade 18.

MSI GE76 Raider: A gaming powerhouse

MSI

Key Specs

• Processor: Intel Core i9-12900 HK 1.8GHz
• GPU: Up to NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 Ti
• RAM: Up to 32GB DDR5
• Screen size: 17.3-inches
• Screen resolution: 1920×1080
• Refresh rate: 360Hz
• Storage: Up to 2 TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe M.2
• Operating system: Windows 11 Pro     
• Connectivity: 1 x Thunderbolt 4, 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 2/DP, 1 x USB3.2 Gen 2, 2 x USB3.2 Gen 1, 1 x HDMI, 1 x Mini-DisplayPort, 1 x SD card reader
• Features: Gaming Mode, Cooler Boost 5,1080P FHD Camera, SmartAuto, Ambient Silent AI, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3

Equipped with a powerful Intel’s processor and one of Nvidia’s top mobile GPUs, the MSI GE76 Raider is a serious gaming behemoth. This laptop is made for gaming through and through. It’s not just about the size and weight of this laptop; it’s more about its raw processing power.

Housed in this massive chassis is a large 17.3-inch QHD+ display that makes gaming on this laptop immersive and enjoyable. Its keyboard is also incredibly comfortable to type on.

Like most gaming laptops, the MSI GE76 Raider has a lot of RGB lighting, including per-key lighting and a large light strip under the wrist. The MSI GE76 Raider is a strong contender for a desktop replacement and has a noticeable fan sound which might require you to put on your headphones while playing games.

ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14: The best gaming laptop for esports

Asus

Key Specs:

• Processor: AMD Ryzen 9 7940HS
• GPU: Up to NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090
• RAM: Up to 32GB DDR5
• Screen size: 14-inches
• Screen resolution: 2560 x 1600
• Refresh rate: 165Hz
• Storage: 1TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe M.2
• Operating system: Windows 11 Pro     
• Connectivity: 2x USB-A 3.2 Gen 2, 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C support DisplayPort, 1x Type C USB 4 support DisplayPort / power delivery, card reader, HDMI 2.1 port, 3.5mm headphone jack
• Features: AniMe Matrix, Backlit Chiclet Keyboard 1-Zone RGB,1080P FHD IR Camera, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, Aura Sync, 1.72 Kg

The ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 has one of  the most unique designs among all gaming laptops. Its customizable “Anime Matrix”  is an eye grabber. Weighing at just 1.72 kg, it’s a highly portable gaming laptop, and despite its thin profile, it oozes a ton of power.

The laptop can be configured with up to 32GB of fast DDR5 RAM, has a 165 Hz display, and has a GeForce RTX 4090 under the hood, making it the ideal gaming laptop for esports and beyond.

The laptops also feature Asus’s hinge design that adds extra breathing space beneath the computer, coupled with an internal custom vapor chamber, which keeps the laptop nice and cool. Besides these, you also get fast charging and Dolby Atmos support for an immersive gaming experience.

Dell Alienware x14: The best portable gaming laptop

Dell

Key Specs:

• Processor: Up to Intel Core i7-12700H
• GPU: Up to NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060
•  RAM: 16GB DDR5
• Screen size: 14-inches
• Screen resolution: 1920×1080
• Refresh rate: 144Hz
• Storage: Up to 2 TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe M.2
• Operating system: Windows 11 Pro     
• Connectivity: 1x USB Type-A , 1x USB Type-C , 2x USB Type-C / Thunderbolt , 1x 3.5mm , microSD
• Features: Programmable AlienFX Lighting Zones, Alienware Command Center,720P FHD Camera, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth

The Alienware X14 is a sleek gaming laptop with powerful specifications under the hood. While these are not the top-end CPUs and GPUs you’ve seen on the laptops listed above, this laptop is powerful enough to offer smooth gaming performance even with AAA titles.

Despite being a portable and ultra-thin gaming laptop, the Alienware X14 boasts a sturdy and impressive build. It is ideal for people looking for a premium gaming laptop with USB-C charging port, with a distinct Alienware look.

MSI Katana 15: Best budget gaming laptop

MSI

Key Specs

• Processor: Up to Intel Core i9-13900H
• GPU: Up to NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070
• RAM: up to 32GB DDR5
• Screen size: 15.6-inches
• Screen resolution: 1920×1080
• Refresh rate: 144Hz
• Storage: Up to 1 TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe M.2
• Operating system: Windows 11 
• Connectivity: 2x USB 3.2 Gen1, 1x USB 2.0, 1x USB 3.2 Gen1 w/DP 1.4, HDMI v 2.1
• Features: Programmable AlienFX Lighting Zones, Alienware Command Center,720P FHD Camera, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth

The MSI Katana 15 (2023) is among the best value-for-money gaming laptops. It can be configured with up to 13th generation Intel Core i9, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 GPU and 32GB of DDR 5 memory, and 1TB of SSD storage.

While the display on this laptop is not the brightest, it supports a 144Hz screen refresh rate that ensures smooth graphics. You also get a relatively traditional design and RGB options, which is understandable considering the price this laptop sells for; however, this laptop’s internals makes it worthy enough to feature in any such listings.

It is a perfect affordable laptop for people more interested in getting flagship hardware specifications in a regular-looking body.

Asus ROG Ally: A good gaming laptop alternative

Key specs:

• APU: AMD Z1 Extreme
• RAM: 16GB DDR5 (6400MHz)
• Display: 7-inch 16:9 (120Hz display)
• Storage: 512GB PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD
• Operating System: Windows 11
• IO: USB-C (DisplayPort), PCIe XG, UHS-II MicroSD Slot
• Features: Embedded controller, three performance modes, dual speakers

A handheld gaming console is the best solution for the modern gamer who prefers gaming on the go but doesn’t want to carry a laptop everywhere.

We recently reviewed Asus’s new ROG Ally portable gaming console and were impressed by the raw power of the new AMD Z1 Extreme APU, which is more powerful than the one that powers its competitors.

Also, make sure to check out our other guides:

The best PS5 controllers | The best mobile games to play in 2023 | Best gaming keyboards | Best CPU for gaming | Best PC controller | Best budget gaming desk | Best power bank for steam deck | Best 1440p Monitor for PS5 | Best gamecube controller for Switch and PC

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